The Lager Queen of Minnesota

Returning to Edith’s perspective in 2018, Mo drives Edith to the hospital to meet her great-granddaughter. Realizing Diana likely needs knee surgery, Edith decides to continue with the brewery’s soft opening. She recognizes how the brewing industry contributes to Diana’s strong, resilient character, and she does not want to see Diana’s dreams disappear.

Mo takes Edith to Artemis and goes over the necessary tasks in Diana’s absence. He gives Edith a sample of an IPA, which tastes to Edith like “how she’d imagine dirt would taste if someone burned it on the grill” (275). Mo worries that Edith is not qualified for the job, but he believes Frank would have liked Edith’s work ethic. Edith relaxes when she realizes she must accomplish more bartending than brewing in Diana’s absence.

Edith enlists her friends Betsy, Lucy, and Linda to help her run Artemis Brewery. All in their 70s, the women possess decades of experience in various forms of labor, from farming to organizing book clubs. They are not intimidated by the work whatsoever. On the contrary, they feel excited about having a purpose. With Diana’s somewhat delirious blessing, the women also decide to try brewing, each having unique ideas for new, exciting recipes.